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Court remands alleged drug kingpin Temo
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A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday, remanded an alleged Lagos-based drug baron, Jimoh Sulaimon, popularly called Temo, in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), after he was arraignment by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Jimoh, also known as Olowoidigede, Godfather and 001, was arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on an amended six-count charge for being a member of a Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO): import, trafficking and dealing in 704 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (Ghana Loud); concealment of illicit funds.
The prosecutor, Lambert Nor, Deputy Command and Head of Legal Department, Lagos Command of NDLEA, told the court the Temo and four others namely, Ojo Emmanuel; Wasiu Olayinka saliu; Taofeek Noah and one Kazeem, all said to be at large, belong to the Drug Trafficking Organisation, which they run between Nigeria and Ghana.
He also told the court that the accused disguised the true source of proceeds of illicit dealing in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
He told the court that the defendant’s alleged criminal acts contravene sections 20(1)(g); 14(b); 18(a); 20(i); 11(b) and 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Temo also known as Olowoidigede and Godfather denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Based on his plea, the prosecutor, Mr. Lambert informed the court that he has four witnesses in court to testify against the drug kingpin.
He also asked the court to remand the defendant till the determination of the charges against him.
However, the drug kingpin lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, a former staff member of NDLEA, accused the anti-narcotic agency of media trial even before charging his client.
He informed the court that the defendant’s bail application had been filed but would be moved at a later date.
The defence counsel in his further submission, while admitting being served with proof of evidence, said in line with Section 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, he would be asking for daily trial.
Consequently, the prosecutor was ordered to call in his witnesses.
At the resumption of trial yesterday, Nor called four prosecution witnesses, who are mainly exhibits keepers and forensic experts with each of them giving evidence on the role they played in the case and also tendered several exhibits which were admitted in evidence without objection from the defence counsel.
The exhibits tendered and admitted at the sitting included 19 jute bags all weighing 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, a Camry car, two phones,a fiat truck among others.
The first prosecution witness, Mr Moses Dogo Eldah, an exhibit keeper with the NDLEA Central Exhibits Unit, narrated how on October 13, 2020 another exhibit keeper attached to the agency’s Directorate of General Investigation Unit, J.E Jakyang, transferred some exhibits with substances suspected to be weed (cannabis Sativa) weighing 704 kilograms to him.
He also stated that a fiat truck, Siena car, a Toyota Camry car and two phones were also transferred to him.
According to the witness, the bulk of the exhibits were also transferred to him which he kept in the agency strong room.
The prosecutor then tendered the exhibits and all were admitted.
Cross examining the witness, counsel to the defendant, Chief Benson Ndakara asked if the witness know how the 19 bags containing the bulk of the marijuana were recovered, and the witness said no.
The witness also admitted that he did not know how the truck and cars were recovered and that this would be the second time he would see the defendant.
Other three witnesses also narrated the role they played in the case.
Consequently, Justice Dipeolu adjourned till October 2 and 4 for continuation of trial.
The judge also ordered that the drug kingpin be remanded in the NCoS’ custody till next adjourned date.
The Amended charge against the defendant reads: “That you Jimoh Sulaimon Olowoogede, a.k.a “Godfather” “001°, “Temo” (m) adult (being the Kingpin) and Ojo Emmanuel (M), Wasiu Olayinka saliu (M), Taofeek , Noah (M) and Kazeem (M) (all at large) being members of a Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO) between 2020 and 2024 without lawful authority and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court engaged in financing Drug Trafficking and thereby committed an offence as provided for in section 20 (1) (g) of the NDLEA Act Cap N 30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 20(2) (b) of the same Act.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a “Godfather” “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) between 2020 and 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired with Ojo Emmanuel (M), Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), Taofeek Noah (M) And Kazeem (M) (all at large) to import, process, traffick and otherwise deal in Cannabis Sativa (Ghana Loud) a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin & LSD using Managers, Couriers and Associates and thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 14 (b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a “Godfather” “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) conspired with Ojo Emmanuel (M) Adult, Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M) adult, Taofeek Noah (M) adult And Kazeem (M) ADULT (all at large) between 2020 and 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court to convert proceeds of illicit’ trafficking im Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances into ostensible legitimate enterprises end thereby committed an offence as provided under section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under section 18(3) and (7) of the same Act.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.ka. “Godfather” “001°, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) and Ojo Emmanuel (M), Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), Taofeek Noah (M) and Kazeem (M) (all at large) between 2020 and 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court without lawful authority engaged in the concealment and disguise of the true source of proceeds of illicit dealing in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to wit: Cannabis Sativa (Ghana Loud) and you thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 20(ii) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a “GODFATHER” “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) and Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), now at large on or about the Ilm day of November, 2020 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and without lawful authority trafficked in 704 Kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa (“Ghana Loud”) a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD from Ghana to Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you Jimoh Suleimon Olowoidiogede a.k.a. “Godfather”, “001”, “Temo” (M) adult (being the Kingpin) and Wasiu Olayinka Saliu (M), now at large on or about the in day of November, 2020 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and without lawful authority dealt in 704 Kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa (“Ghana Loud”) a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD from Ghana to Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence as provided for and punishable under section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos have announced a temporary shutdown in observance of the country’s Independence Day celebration.
The diplomatic offices will remain closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, according to an official notice released by the US Mission in Nigeria on Thursday.
This announcement was made through the mission’s official social media platforms, informing the public about the temporary closure of services at both locations.
According to the US Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of US Independence Day.”
The closure means regular consular and embassy services, including visa appointments and other public-facing operations, will be unavailable for the day. Normal activities are expected to resume after the holiday.
US Independence Day, popularly known as the Fourth of July, is celebrated annually to mark one of the most significant moments in American history.
The day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when thirteen American colonies formally declared freedom from British rule.
An Abuja High Court on Thursday granted the first defendant, Mike Ozekhome, permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment for six weeks.
Ozekhome and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, were arraigned on February 27 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on a 12-count charge bordering on forgery and impersonation arising from a disputed property ownership case in the United Kingdom.
Ruling on Ozekhome’s application for the temporary release of his international passport, Justice Chizoba Oji ordered him to return the passport to the court on or before August 26.
The judge had earlier been informed on Tuesday that the prosecution had failed to deposit the defendants’ passports with the court, contrary to the bail conditions granted in February. Consequently, the court directed the prosecution to produce the passports during Thursday’s proceedings.
In compliance with the order, the prosecution presented the international passports of both defendants.
After Ozekhome confirmed ownership of the passport, Justice Oji asked the prosecution counsel, C.L. Asonta, whether there was any objection to its temporary release.
Although Asonta raised no objection, he requested that Ozekhome be directed to return the passport within three working days of his return to Nigeria.
Granting the application, the judge said: “Having considered the motion and noting that there is no objection, I hereby grant the request for the temporary release of the first defendant’s international passport to enable him to embark on his medical trip.”
Justice Oji ruled that the six-week period would run from July 9 to August 20 and ordered Ozekhome to return the passport to the court on or before August 26.
The court subsequently adjourned the trial until September 28 for continuation.
Ponfa Useni, the second defendant, is the son of the late Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the military administration of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired in 2020 to procure a false Nigerian international passport, No. A07535463, in the name of Tali Shani.Geographic Reference
The prosecution further alleged that Ozekhome assisted Useni in impersonating Tali Shani and that both defendants also created a forged irrevocable power of attorney to facilitate Ozekhome’s claim to the disputed property in the United Kingdom.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The Federal Government’s revised vehicle import levy regime has officially come into effect, raising expectations of possible reductions in automobile prices.
However, auto dealers seek clarification on the newly introduced Green Tax before determining the overall impact of the policy.
Implemented under the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, the new arrangement reduces the import levy on brand-new vehicles from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while the levy on used vehicles has been slashed from 15 per cent to five per cent.
The policy is intended to lower import costs, stimulate economic activities and provide relief for businesses and consumers in the automotive sector.
In addition to the levy cuts, the government introduced a Green Tax surcharge on selected categories of imported vehicles as part of its environmental sustainability agenda.
However, stakeholders in the automobile industry say uncertainty surrounding the exact structure and cost implications of the Green Tax makes it difficult to determine whether consumers will eventually benefit from lower vehicle prices.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, President of the National Association of Motor Dealers and Chief Executive Officer of Mitchel Automobile Limited, Prince Ajibola, described the levy reduction as a welcome development but stressed that the full impact would depend on the magnitude of the Green Tax.
“We don’t know what the surcharge is going to be. If they reduce the levy on vehicles and then introduce another surcharge, we need to know how much it is before we can say there will be any considerable change,” he stated.
Ajibola noted that although the reduction in levy on used vehicles from 15 per cent to five per cent represents a major concession, the benefit could be neutralised if the Green Tax is substantial.
“If the surcharge is far less than what has been reduced, then it’s a plus. But if it is the same or even higher, then it has not really changed anything,” he explained.
According to him, import duties remain one of the major reasons behind the high cost of vehicles in Nigeria, alongside foreign exchange pressures.
He added that the revised policy could help reduce vehicle prices, especially for commercial vehicles where the tariff adjustment is more significant, provided the Green Tax remains relatively low.
“The development is a very good one. There’s no doubt about that. But to know exactly how it will affect prices, we need to know what the Green Tax is. If it is very little, then the reduction in levies will still be significant and consumers will feel the impact,” Ajibola said.
Industry stakeholders said they would continue monitoring the implementation of the fiscal measures as the Nigeria Customs Service rolls out the revised tariff structure.
They noted that clearer details on the Green Tax would ultimately determine whether the reduction in import levies leads to meaningful price relief for vehicle buyers across the country.
US Embassy, Consulate in Nigeria temporarily shutdown
Forgery case: Court grants Ozekhome permission for six-week medical trip to UK
Nigerian govt cuts vehicle import levies, introduces Green Tax
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